Free but capacity is limited, registration required. To register please email info@westernfront.ca

This free workshop offers an introduction to, and a space to experiment with, audio diffusion and spatialization on an eight-channel setup. Facilitated by Giorgio Magnanensi and Sara Gold over 2 days (Oct 8–9) participants will have the opportunity to think about and listen to sound in spatial configurations, and consider how expanding audio sources can influence thinking sound in more engaging and visceral ways.

Sound diffusion refers to the practice of projecting sound sources into a performance space.  An example familiar to most people is the 5.1 surround sound found in movie theatres: sounds emanating from additional speakers at the back and sides of the theatre create a more compelling, engaging sound environment than either monophonic or stereophonic presentation, alone. The careful multichannel distribution of sound in a performance space can also greatly help to structure and articulate an audio work. In addition, more lively special effects and panning can simulate motion, adding colour and impact to the performance. With this workshop we wish to illustrate these possibilities and share some examples of audio diffusion strategies using works by festival artists Sara Gold and Jacob Audrey Taves.

Participants who wish to experiment with the audio diffusion setup will also have a chance to try it themselves by bringing short stereo audio files (Wave or Aiff, 44.100kHz format, not mp3) on a USB memory stick.

This Western Front and Vancouver New Music co-presentation is part of VNM’s 2022 festival, METAXENAKIS, inspired by the work and ideas of visionary composer and sound thinker Iannis Xenakis on his 100th anniversary.